There are growing concerns among the people of Killybegs over the whereabouts of €10million funding that was promised the enhancement of the harbour.
A funding investment was announced earlier this year to extend and develop the Killybegs Harbour Centre to benefit industry in the fishing town.
However, questions are being raised over delays in the project, which was due to commence in the last quarter of this year.
According to Donegal Deputy Pat the Cope, the users of Killybegs Harbour and the general public have expressed concern that the funding has been moved to another project elsewhere.
Deputy Pat the Cope Gallagher Leas Cheann Comhairle claims that confusion reigns within the Government and broader Department as to the certainty of the €10 million project in Killybegs.
Deputy Gallagher has raised the public concerns today, saying: “I have already tabled questions to the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine on the possibility that he has reprioritised or redirected the funding for the Killybegs project towards another fishery harbour centre elsewhere in the state.
“I have also asked for written assurances that no delays are envisaged for the Killybegs project and that he as Minister furthermore confirm a clear timeline for the project from contract stage to completion.
“I have also requested that written confirmation be provided that funding remains in place for the project.”
Mr Gallager said that immediate clarity is needed on this situation to allay local fears for the project.
He said: “It is regrettable that the Minister allowed such a situation to evolve in the first case, the works earmarked for Killybegs are much needed and are in the planning process for some time, we will not accept any situation whereby funding which has been proposed for Killybegs would be considered for other areas.
“Killybegs requires further investment and the Government must stand four- square with the people of southwest Donegal in delivering this project,” concluded Pat the Cope.
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